Residents decry plans to relocate off-licence

A BIRKDALE off-licence that has previously served under-age drinkers faces local opposition to its bid to relocate.

Anthony Kirkham, licensee of Birkdale Wines, will have his application to move the business from number 5 to number 71 Upper Aughton Road decided by councillors on July 3.

The proposal has sparked challenges from residents and a nearby business, claiming the move will increase public nuisance or underage drinking in an area they identify as a hotspot.

These claims are hotly disputed by Mr Kirkham, who says no business can be held solely responsible for such problems.

Christina S Bird, a resident of Upper Aughton Road, wrote to the licensing sub-committee saying: “If this license is granted I feel it will lead to further problems with anti-social behaviour, traffic, noise and litter.

“I am also concerned that this licensee has previously flouted the law regarding under-age drinking.”

Sefton’s licensing sub-committee heard in January details of three underage sales at Birkdale Wines during police test purchases, most recently when a 16-year-old cadet bought a bottle of red wine in October 2006.

Mr Kirkham was warned he could lose his license if he breaks strict conditions and he and his staff were required to undergo recognised training.

Of the three letters of objection received by the sub-committee, one was accompanied by a 54-name petition.

But Mr Kirkham has marshalled his own counter-petition, bearing over 150 names, which he says were collected in just four-and-a-half hours on a Monday evening.

That petition pledges support to a store it says “provides a beneficial service to residents and other traders”, against having “yet another derelict shop down a once thriving shopping arcade”.

Mr Kirkham says Birkdale Wines has successfully worked to reduce gatherings of youths, and “I can assure anyone that we run a very tight ship”.

He also says the opposing petition was organised by the owners of Evans (Bros) building yard opposite the proposed new store and that some adding their names were under the impression an entirely new off-licence was being built on the road.

Cllr Fred Weavers, ward councillor, did not comment on Birkdale Wines specifically but said there had been improvements in the 12 months since he asked police to deploy more resources in the area.